The Village of Scotia Board of Trustees will present its $5.75 million preliminary budget to residents Wednesday, April 9, at a public hearing.
Residents are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions about the budget, which would increase taxes by about 1 percent.
The theory behind this budget is that with revenues better than projected, we are in a position to run the village, replace a significant amount of equipment that has long gone neglected, and insure a plan for reasonable tax increases for less than 1 percent on the tax rate this year, said Mayor Kris Kastberg.
Trustee Joe Rizzo echoed the sentiment that the budget keeps tax rates minimal while improving village services.
`I think the proposed budget is fair and well thought out. There are certain things we need to do as a village, such improving some of our dated equipment, and that will cause an increase. However, it is all in the best interest of our residents,` said Rizzo.
The proposed budget includes a possible $472,000 bond that would help the village purchase doors for the Public Works building, a packer truck, street cleaner, leaf sweeper, and wash station.
Kastberg said the board would continue to try to budget conservatively as they did last year, and the proposed bond is a component of that goal.
`I think that this is a good budget for several reasons,` said Kastberg. `We are in a good financial state in the village due to conservative budgeting last year, as well as several money saving initiatives taken during the past fiscal year. At the end of this fiscal year, we project a fund balance of over $900,000, which is healthy and necessary considering the priorities we have in stabilizing the erosion of the riverbank.`
Not everyone on the board was in agreement about the budget. Trustee Armon Benny said he believes the budget is fiscally irresponsible and that the village should actually be looking to lower taxes.
Benny said he feels that the tax increase does not reflect the financial difficulties families are having.
`The village budget does not reflect their pain and suffering. The plan is to spend 6.5 percent more this year than last year. While taxpayers choose between cereal and medicine, our village just keeps spending as though the economy is vibrant and strong. Let the seniors and families in Scotia keep more of their own money. Many workers are worried about losing their job, seniors get little or no increase in pensions and Social Security and families struggle with higher credit card debt just to buy food. The village must return some of the hefty tax burden that has been imposed over the last three years. They will know how best to use the money to support themselves and their children,` said Benny.
Rizzo said that the village would review certain line items that they may be able to adjust to lower taxes, but he said the main budget is both responsible and effective.
`We still have a village to run, and ignoring things we need to do will only hurt our residents in the long run, it’s our job to try and keep that balance between meeting the village needs and taking into consideration what our residents can afford,` said Rizzo.
The board continues to look into the possibility of eliminating the fire chief position.
The board will hold its final vote on the budget on May 1.“
